n

n

n

n

n

nTranslator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

nFang Lang had spent time figuring out the identity of Zhao Wuji. The man appeared straightforward but he exuded a certain strength. Fang Lang could tell the man’s cultivation was not weak.

n

n

nThe fact that Zhao Wuji praised the mysterious lady’s cultivation prowess meant she must be exceptional.

n

n

nZhao Wuji was an honest man and Fang Lang’s smile made him uneasy. He could sense something fishy about the boy.

n

n

nHe became cautious.

n

n

nIn the end, Fang Lang was not allowed into the chamber. The shop owner blocked his view, a charming smile on his face.

n

n

nFang Lang’s sincerity did not grant him access to the mysterious Imperial City lady who sat in the Spring Cloud Chamber.

n

n

nThe door of the chamber blocked his view.

n

n

nThe physical barrier reminded Fang Lang of his place—he and the lady were of two different worlds.

n

n

nThe gap between them was like the sky and the ground.

n

n

nFang Lang knew he was not yet worthy to meet the lady.

n

n

nThe excitement in his heart quelled and his eagerness was toned down. He maintained a small upturn of the lips.

n

n

nThis arrangement was like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing his System-driven cultivation ardour.

n

n

nHowever, Fang Lang did not let this stumbling block affect him. He believed time was essential for growth and eventually, he would achieve greatness.

n

n

n“My lady, thank you for your kindness today. I will always remember this good deed. My name is Fang Lang, Fang like a square, Lang like a wave.”

n

n

nFang Lang faced the doorway of the Spring Cloud Chamber and folded his hands. He bowed respectfully.

n

n

nHe stood with his back straight, showing no weakness in his spine. His bow was neither obsequious nor supercilious.

n

n

nZhao Wuji and Owner Xiao said nothing but they sensed the boy’s roiling vitality.

n

n

nInside the Spring Cloud Chamber, Jiang Linglong adjusted the jade ring on her finger. The accessory was in the 10,000 gold coins and above price bracket.

n

n

nThe boy’s words of gratitude made her smile.

n

n

n“It is a small matter. We’ll meet again if fate has plans,” Jiang Linglong said.

n

n

nShe did not reveal her name.

n

n

nShe admired the boy’s dedication to his swordsmanship. A decade of training was something she might not be able to accomplish.

n

n

nOutside the chamber, Fang Lang glanced at the door that was guarded by the portly Zhao Wuji. The stolen glance revealed a pair of deep, enchanting eyes.

n

n

nBehind Fang Lang, Yang Zhengyi and Ni Wen held their breaths, too afraid to disturb the air with their breathing.

n

n

nThe lady did not disclose her identity and he did not push.

n

n

nHe wore an easy smile as he turned to leave. Yang Zhengyi and Ni Wen caught up with him.

n

n

nThe sunset bled into the horizon, painting the sky a palette of colors.

n

n

nWhen the trio exited the Jade Pavilion, Yang Zhengyi slapped his forehead and brushed his fringe back. He took in a big gulp of air.

n

n

n“Lang’zi… That was intense! Who is inside the Spring Cloud Chamber? That was one solid wall, even the shop owner blocked our view.”

n

n

nAs if a restriction was lifted, Yang Zhengyi’s loquaciousness came back in full force. Questions about the mysterious lady were abound.

n

n

nIn contrast, Ni Wen kept her head down as she trailed behind the two boys.

n

n

nFang Lang walked on, a small smile gracing his lips.

n

n

nThey arrived at the end of Chang Street. This was where Ni Wen parted ways with the two boys. She extracted one hand from her sleeves and gave them a timid wave. Head lowered, she uttered a soft, “See you tomorrow.” Then, she turned around and jogged away, disappearing into one of the alleys. The direction she headed was toward the darker side of Luojiang City.

n

n

nThe dimming rays of sunlight made the girl’s blush redder than it was.

n

n

n…

n

n

nAs the first lanterns of the night were lit, Fang Lang arrived at the Fang Manor.

n

n

nThe late hour meant Fang Lang had missed his father. Old Fang had already left for the entertainment house.

n

n

nHe ate the dinner prepared by the servant girl. Then, he strolled along the courtyard. In the center of the courtyard was a pond and a pavilion. The star-filled sky was reflected in the water.

n

n

nFang Lang pulled his arms over his head, stretching his muscles. He was a bit disappointed.

n

n

nThe shopping trip with Ni Wen was not counted as a meaningful interaction.

n

n

nIt seemed the System left no loopholes for him to take advantage.

n

n

n‘The cultivation resources have been added to the host’s space accessory. Please have a look.’

n

n

nThe System notification appeared.

n

n

nFang Lang squinted his eyes.

n

n

nThe space ring on his forefinger tingled as it reacted to his spiritual sense. A disembodied voice spoke, “Your space ring has received 5,000 gold coins and 50 low-grade spirit crystals.”

n

n

nThe voice did not belong to the System—it came from the space ring.

n

n

nFang Lang rubbed the ring and smiled.

n

n

nHe phased into the five cubic meter space and saw the 5,000 gold coins and 50 low-grade spirit crystals.

n

n

nThose were given to him by the System after leveling up.

n

n

nFang Lang exited the space. A black egg floated before his eyes.

n

n

nIt was the random reward from the guide mission—the Black Reward Egg.

n

n

nThe previous rewards were always clearly stated so this new reward system piqued his curiosity.

n

n

n“An egg… What is it for?” Fang Lang asked.

n

n

n‘Ding! This is a Reward Egg. Reward Eggs come in six different variants: black, green, silver, gold, diamond and rainbow. Smash it to receive the prize within,’ the System explained.

n

n

nA light flickered in Fang Lang’s eyes. Was this a game of luck?

n

n

nIt was reminiscent of lucky draws from his previous life.

n

n

nHe raised his hand and a gold hammer appeared. With an expectant smile, he brought the hammer down onto the Black Reward Egg.

n

n

nCrack!

n

n

nThe shell cracked and light burst through the seams.

n

n

nThe black egg shell slowly disappeared.

n

n

n‘Congratulations! Your reward is the Specialized Flight Sword Maneuver Skill and a Flying Sword Examination pass. The Flying Sword Examination pass is legally obtained. The host’s name has been included in the Tang Dynasty’s registration. Rest assured.”

n

n

nThe reward made Fang Lang’s eyes widen.

n

n

nHe received a token with a rune carving. The rune was used to activate the flight sword’s spell and allow the wielder to use it as a means of transport.

n

n

nThe Specialized Flight Sword Maneuver Skill was incorporated through mental memory and muscle memory.

n

n

nLike the Sword Draw Technique, Fang Lang felt the transformations in his body and mind—he was turned into an old driver.

n

n

nMemories of flying with a flight sword were embedded into his mind.

n

n

nThrough the new memories, Fang Lang learned that even a sword disciple had the right to fly as long as they passed the Flying Sword Examination.

n

n

nAs the art of cultivation progressed, cultivators discovered the use of runes. Carving runes into the sword turned it into a mode of transport. As long as the carving was not damaged, anyone with a Flying Sword Examination pass and sufficient spirit crystals could operate a flight sword and roam the sky.

n

n

nThe speed offered by the rune was quicker than any sword masters’ sword flying technique. As the practice became widespread, a flight sword became an essential part of an established cultivator’s arsenal.

n

n

nFrom the knowledge he received, Fang Lang understood the flight sword was akin to a car of the modern world.

n

n

nHe smacked his lips in excitement but remembered his lacking resources.

n

n

nHe did not own a flight sword. At this point, the skill and pass were useless.

n

n

nMoreover, this reward would not aid him in the upcoming Imperial Examination. Flight was not part of the examination metrics.

n

n

nRealistically, additional Amplification Cards would have been a better reward.

n

n

nHe was slightly disappointed.

n

n

nHe abandoned his stroll in the courtyard and went to his room with plans to cultivate.

n

n

nAlthough he had the System’s help, Fang Lang knew he had to put in the effort to get stronger.

n

n

nThere was an empty slot for the partner-binding.

n

n

nHe could bind two geniuses at one time but in that moment, he had no target for the second binding.

n

n

nThe mysterious lady in the Spring Cloud Room appeared in his mind. Zhao Wuji’s description had left a deep impression in Fang Lang and he wished to remember her by a name despite not knowing her identity.

n

n

nInside the room, there were ten low-grade spirit crystals set atop the table. Old Fang had given Fang Lang the requested resources.

n

n

nA warmth filled his chest. He kept the spirit crystals aside.

n

n

n“I should end the cultivation early today. I have to drop by the Mentors’ Office tomorrow to get more info about the Gathering of Swords.”

n

n

nFang Lang breathed out the stale air.

n

n

nHe emptied his thoughts and calmed his emotions.

n

n

n“Switch to binding partner’s cultivation state,” Fang Lang said.

n

n

n‘Ding! Switching complete. Happy cultivating!”

n

n

nThe System notification popped up a moment later.

n

n

nFang Lang reached into the space ring and took the spirit crystals provided by the System. He began the absorption process.

n

n

nWhoosh!

n

n

nFang Lang felt the spiritual energy flow into his meridians from the spirit crystal.

n

n

nThe night darkened.

n

n

nThe moon was curved like a fish hook.

n

n

nFang Beihe came back to the Fang Manor smelling like booze. When he passed the courtyard, he saw the candlelight in Fang Lang’s room—the boy was cultivating.

n

n

nFang Beihe spent much of his time on his business and building connections.

n

n

nAll of it was to give his untalented son a backup plan. If his son failed the Imperial Examination, there was still a future waiting for him back home.

n

n

nEvery parent hoped for their child’s success.

n

n

nUnder the moonlight, Fang Beihe leaned against the wall of the courtyard. The stench of alcohol wafted from his breath and clothes. There was a proud smile on his face.

n